The Influences of Technology and Media on Learning Process

TASK 4 – Academic Discussion Essay

The Influences of Technology and Media on Learning Process

By: St. Mufarrohah

            Technology and media have transformed the process learning and interacting of learners with their environment. French (1999) stated that modern technology such as computers or video are changing the roles of both teachers and learners. Besides, the Internet, software, and some telecommunications take a place as the extreme paradigm shift in learning process (Jones 2002). It makes the possibility that those technologies will come together and influence the learning outcomes (Gary, 1993). In fact, the electronic media is needed than the other when it can more impress the children. Allen & Seaman (2007) showed that online enrollments in higher education was growing up 21%, whereas the growth for traditional way just only 2% since 2002. Therefore, we need to examine wisely whether media and technology give more positive sides in learning process or not.

            The technology and media will give more opportunities to discover the potential relationship between teaching process and learning environments (Kozma, 1994). That technology could be the cognitive tools to create a new knowledge which integrated with the environments (Reeves, 1998). Jonnasen, Carr, and Yueh (1998) stated that “the cognitive mind tools have function as formalisms for guiding learners in the organization and representation of what they know”. Reeves (1998) said the technology and media could control a powerful role of process of learning when the learners use that technology and media as cognitive tools rather than interact with them as tutor or repositories of information. For online media, the interactions that happen actually could encourage reticent students to participate in extent and reasonable discussions than a traditional classroom setting does (Citera, 1988). Warschauer (1997) stated “the online environment is usually less intimidating between individuals and also has less time pressure on students than do interaction in a face-to-face setting” it makes the possibility that learner can be more confident to communicate with others or improve their skill by using media online.

            However, Clark (1994), who is a professor of Instructional technology at the University of Southern California, has said that there are no learning advantages from using technology and media in learning process. Those are just the vehicle which will not influence learners to get any achievements. Learners just will find some problems when they prefer to choose using media or technology, online for example, than doing it by face-to-face setting or traditional way. Walberg and Haertela (1981) found that the learner perceptions of social online environments will impact their psychological. It is proved by Haythornthwaite (2000) finding which showed that students who failed to make online connections with other learners in their group reported feeling isolated and more stressed. Some researchers also showed that learners may feel isolated, confused, and frustrated (Hara & Kling, 2000).  Besides, Ramsden and Entwistle (1981) identified the relationship between approaches to learning and perceived characteristics of the academic environment and student’s interest in the subject may be decreased (R. Maki, W. Maki, Patterson, & Whittaker, 2000).

            The advancement of technology influences people to use some of those media in learning process. There are some positive sides that we can get while we use it, such as it implies the phsychological of learners. They become brave and get information easier. On the other hand it also impacts they to feel more strees, depressed when they are failed to make connection. Thus, we have to be wisely when we decide to use media and technology in our process learning. It is important to do to get the advantages and hide the disadvantages ones.

References:

Kizito R. 2003. Learning with Print versus Learning with electronic media, (Online), (https://www.unisa.ac.id), it is searched February 9, 2015.

Edgar, P & Edgar, D. 2008. Television, Digital Media, and Children’s Learning, (Online), (https://www.vcaa.vic.edu.au), it is searched February 9, 2015.

Robert B. Kozma. 1994. The Influence of Media on Learning: The Debate Continues, (Online), (https://www.ala.org), it is searched February 9, 2015

Franzoni, L.A., Assar, S., Defude B. & Rojas J. 2008. Student Learning Styles Adaptation Method Based on Teaching Strategies and Electronic Media, (Online), (www-public.int-evry.fr), it is searched February 9, 2015

Kirkorian, L. H., Wartella, A. E. & Anderson, R. D. 2008. Media and Young Children’s Learning, (Online), (https://www.princeton.edu), it is searched February 9, 2015

Clark, R. E. 1994. Media will never influence learning. Educational Technology Research and Development, (Online), (https://rafleckt.wordpress.com) it is searched February 9, 2015

Clark, R. E. 1992. Media use in education. Encyclopedia of Educational Research (pp.805-814). New York: Macmillan.

Jonassen, D. H., & Carr, C., & Yueh, H. P. 1998. Computers as mindtools for engaging learners in critical thinking. TechTrends.

Kozma, R. B. 1994.  “Will Media Influence Learning: Reframing the Debate,” Educational Technology Research and Development, in press.

Reeves, T. C. 1998. The impact of media and technology in schools. The University of Georgia, (http://www.athensacademy.org)